Film for 5x7 portraits

[John Kasaian]

These will be hand held, 5x7 format with a Speed Graphic. I've got two emulsions on hand and I'm not keen on buying more film right now. After giving too much thought on the matter I still can't decide which emulsion to use! I find that my selection of printing paper has more of an impact---to my eye anyway---than film selection. There must be some salient quality I'm just too dense to notice so I figure I'd ask around here.
Oh yes,the "models" I'm shooting are mules, as in pack mules. As in hairy brown pack mules All shots will be outdoors in natural light. I'm not planning to use filters but if I have to they'll probably be either yellow, orange or green depending more on the back ground than anything else (I don't know of any "mule filters")
Sooooooo...... between Ilford HP-5+ or Arista.eduUltra 200, which film would you pick---for mule portraits? And why??

[jnanian]

hi john

i would pick the faster of the two ( the ilford that is ).
i figure you could use the extra speed / stop.

john

[k_jupiter]

hi john

i would pick the faster of the two ( the ilford that is ).
i figure you could use the extra speed / stop.

john

Why do you think them mules will be galloping?

I always choose the slower film if the light can handle it.

What color are the mules? You get a photo of some of them pretty grey ones, the 200 will bring out a wonderful tone in your final print. And no, I am not saying the HP5 is a slouch, in a staining developer, the 5+ is pretty stunning in it's own right.

tim (thinking about loading some 5x7 EDU Ultra 200 himself) in san jose

[jnanian]

naaaah, not galloping tim,
but maybe wagging their heads back and forth ...

i was kind of thinking the mules might be inside a barn / shed too

if there is a bunch of light, i would agree slower film would be nice(er).

john

[Tom Duffy]

In my opinion, shoot the HP5. You will need the speed, if you handhold, and probably even if you don't. At moderate portrait distances, f11 won't get you much depth of field. Don't even think about filters, you will need every bit of speed you can get.

you could also load a few holders with the Arista and use that in case God smiles and we have a supernova that day...

Take care,
Tom